“The bigger picture is complex and month by month fluctuations are inevitable as manufacturers manage product cycles, operational changes and the delicate balance of supply and demand from market to market.

“To ensure future growth, we need political and economic clarity at home, and the continuation of beneficial trading arrangements with the EU and other key markets.”

Unite’s assistant general secretary Tony Burke said: “Today’s car figures once again underline the critical need for Theresa May to avoid a cliff-edge Brexit.

“The UK’s car workers and those in the supply chain have worked tirelessly to make Britain’s car industry a global leader.

“With Government confusion over diesel continuing to take its toil it would be a betrayal if a jewel in the crown of UK manufacturing was sacrificed on the altar of a hard Brexit.”